The Best Rain Jackets of 2026

Read Review: A Classic Shell Jacket Gets New Tech: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket Review

Bottom Line: Our best overall pick, it uses 3-layer H2No protection that balances elite waterproofing with a moisture-wicking interior. It’s fully PFC-free and built to last, though the fabric is slightly crinkly.

The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L ($189) has transitioned from a solid value pick to our definitive Best Overall Rain Jacket. While it sits just north of budget territory, it outperforms nearly every shell in its class by offering a full 3-layer H2No waterproof membrane, a construction typically reserved for jackets twice the price. This professional-grade layering ensures the Torrentshell breathes significantly better than standard 2- or 2.5-layer alternatives.

The standout performance lies in the interior tricot backer. In side-by-side field testing in Washington State this spring, the Torrentshell remained noticeably less clammy during high-output climbs than its predecessors. Its waterproofing is equally impressive; in my controlled shower tests, it held back precipitation on par with higher-specced technical shells like the Outdoor Research Foray 3L.

Sustainability remains a cornerstone of this jacket’s design. Patagonia has moved to a completely PFC-free build, eliminating forever chemicals without sacrificing storm protection. The 100% recycled nylon ripstop face fabric is Fair Trade Certified and incorporates a bio-based membrane. While the fabric has a slightly crinkly feel out of the box, it softens significantly after a few miles on the trail.

When compared to rivals like the value-minded 3-layer jackets such as the Marmot Precip Pro ($160), the Torrentshell proves its superiority by holding out longer in heavy deluges, easily justifying the minor price difference. It strikes the perfect balance between trail-ready technicality and around-town aesthetics.

Ultimately, the Torrentshell 3L is the most reliable, high-performance shell we’ve tested for under $200. It offers the best combination of waterproofing, breathability, and ethical manufacturing available today. If you need one jacket that can handle a week-long backpacking trip and a rainy commute with equal ease, this is the winner.

Bottom Line: The best sub-$100 shell on the market, with a functional 2.5-layer build and recycled materials. It’s reliable for casual use but feels clammy during high-exertion hikes.

The Co-op continues to make the grade with its in-house line-up, and the recently updated REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket ($100) takes no detour. Sporting a new HydroWall 2.5L membrane and more features than it rightfully should have for the price, the value needle is pinned on this budget rain jacket. It’s no fortress, but even after braving an exceptionally rainy Pacific Northwest spring, I was impressed with the chutzpah on this shell.

REI hasn’t published any waterproofing or breathability specs for its new HydroWall membrane. But after using it, I’m comfortable placing it at about the same level as other polyurethane membranes, such as Marmot NanoPro or North Face Hyvent. That means rainy-day hikes, blustery commutes, and gray bird camping trips are all on the menu. When the cadence kicks up, twin pit zips help to vent excess heat (though they are a bit on the small side).

In terms of fit, I found the Rainier to be fairly spacious and accommodating, easily allowing layers underneath it. The hood isn’t very technical, but a set of drawcords lets you adjust the periphery. As a surprise, one of my favorite features of this jacket ended up being the pockets, as the exterior pockets are sewn into the interior, creating two additional drop-in pockets. Two for one!

These pockets are all made of soft mesh, meaning they do double-duty to whisk away excess moisture — smart. The entire jacket also packs up into one of these pockets, and while not a super small package, it does keep the shell all in one place for stashing it away. True to REI, this jacket doesn’t miss when it comes to sustainability, either. The DWR finish is non-fluorinated and protects the recycled nylon shell from light precip. The entire jacket is made from Bluesign-approved materials and sewn in a Fair Trade Certified factory.

At an approachable price, I’m impressed by the number of “gotta-have-it” rain jacket features that REI has been able to shoehorn into the Rainier Rain Jacket. As a 2.5L jacket, there’s a breathability ceiling that, when you hit it, you’ll know. But at $100, it’s an easy issue to sidestep with proper use of those pit zips and mesh pockets. For anyone looking for their first proper rain jacket, or just a daily driver to beat around in, the Rainier is high on my list of recommendations.

Read Review: OR’s Most Eco-Friendly Shell Has a Trick Up Its Sleeve: Outdoor Research Aspire II Jacket Review

Bottom Line: A versatile 3-layer upgrade with massive Torso-Flo zippers that vent from hem to pit. It offers better protection than the previous version, but it did gain a few ounces in the process.

Newly revamped in a big way, the Outdoor Research Foray 3L ($249) gets a major upgrade in the membrane department, moving from 2-layer GORE-TEX Paclite to OR’s 3-layer AscentShell Dry. This membrane is a cousin to the brand’s airy AscentShell Air and sports higher waterproofing, but less breathability. The jacket itself is a bit heavier (and has a slightly higher price tag), but I think this shell is better in almost every way.

Couple better waterproofing with the built-in breathability of the hem-to-pits zippers, which can be fully opened for a poncho-like fit, and the Foray (and the women’s equivalent, Aspire) is particularly versatile in different weather conditions. In testing through the winter months of the Pacific Northwest, I found this jacket to perform better than most. Long-term waterproofing isn’t quite as impressive as true GORE-TEX hardshells like the Arc’teryx Beta AR, but it was great for weekend-long use.

The updated jacket is $24 more expensive than the previous, and while it’s not quite the cheapest 3-layer jacket on the market (look to the $179 Patagonia Torrentshell), it’s dang near, and the value is impressive. The jacket did gain a few ounces to update the fabric, but the 13.7-ounce weight for a medium I tested is still well within reason.

Rounding out the Foray 3L is a three-way adjustable hood with buried cord locks, YKK Aquaguard zippers (further guarded by storm flaps), and two torso pockets large enough to stuff the jacket into for storage. There is also a left-hand chest pocket and an elastic drawcord hem. For most folks looking for a high-ventilating rain shell, this is the jacket to snag.

Bottom Line: A premium, expertly tailored shell using the new GORE-TEX ePE membrane. It offers a world-class fit and high-end storm protection in a surprisingly lightweight package.

The updated Arc’teryx Beta SL Jacket ($500) is just about the best weather protection you can get in a rain jacket (before moving on to something meant for mountaineers). It does this while keeping weight and feature-bloat down. Only the price truly holds us back from recommending this jacket over our top pick, but for many, the investment can be worth it for the performance and fit.

The ‘SL’ designation gives this shell away as a ‘super light’ variant, and at 12 ounces in the men’s medium I tested, it’s pretty light for a three-layer shell. It accomplishes this with a 40D x 70D nylon face fabric that’s still tough, but uses one of the thinnest 3-layer membrane laminations I’ve seen in a rain jacket. The body of the jacket adds a C-KNIT woven backer to aid moisture movement there.

What truly wins me over about Arc’teryx jackets is the articulated fit, which is particularly noticeable in the arms. Few other brands put the time into finessing the paneling here, but the overhead reach is unparalleled on the Beta SL, and that’s without using a stretch-faced material. The hood is equally well-attended to, and is both helmet-compatible, but also not so huge that it billows when not cinched down.

The new GORE-TEX ePE 3-layer membrane is now the standard-bearer technology, and it made a few chemical tweaks to create a GORE that’s PFAS-free, inside and out. This is a win for everyone, and the waterproofing right out of the gate is just as good as the old stuff. I’ve been hands-on long enough to know that the interval between washes is a bit shorter, and that even tossing it in a load in the dryer can help refresh the waterproofing. Ultimately, I’m fine with trading some gear maintenance for the environmental permanence of PFAS chemicals.

At $500, the price tag is undeniably up there. You can get other 3-layer jackets like the Outdoor Research Foray 3L at half the price (and even the Patagonia Torrentshell at $189!) That said, the jacket patterning on both of those can’t touch this shell. The steadfast performance of GORE-TEX is tough to deny, also, and if you need reliable waterproofing in a jacket that just fits nicely, the Beta SL is a solid consideration.

Bottom Line: A high-performance 3-layer shell that leads with a fully PFC-free and sustainable build. It’s quieter and more supple than the Torrentshell, though the athletic cut can feel restrictive over heavy midlayers.

The REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L ($190) is a high-performance sleeper hit that proves you don’t have to sacrifice sustainability for professional-grade protection. Built with a fully PFC-free DWR and recycled materials, this jacket is a win for eco-conscious hikers who want to move away from forever chemicals. For the same price as the Patagonia Torrentshell, the XeroCloud offers a more supple and quieter hand-feel.

At the core of the jacket is REI’s HydroWall 3-layer membrane, a significant step up from the 2.5-layer construction found in budget shells. While official specs aren’t public, my field testing suggests it hits a competitive 20K/20K benchmark. It held its own against premium 3-layer rivals in my shower tests, offering a breathable, non-clammy interior that outshines more expensive technical emergency layers.

Where the Torrentshell can feel a bit crinkly, the XeroCloud uses a sustainable stretch fabric that offers much better mobility for scrambling and high-stepping. It’s significantly quieter on the trail, though, like all stretch-woven shells, you’ll want to stay on top of your DWR maintenance to keep the face fabric from wetting out over time.

The feature set is equally refined, headlined by a water-resistant front zipper that eliminates the need for the clunky Velcro storm flaps found on entry-level jackets. For the $90 jump over the budget Rainier, you’re getting a far more durable waterproof liner, a functional chest pocket, and a much more premium feel during all-day downpours.

Choosing between this and the Torrentshell comes down to feel: if you want the most protective and hardiest feel, stick with Patagonia. However, if you want a PFC-free, 3-layer workhorse that is quiet, stretchy, and eco-friendly, the XeroCloud 3L is the superior choice for just a few dollars more.

Read Review: This Jacket Is Your Next Take-Everywhere Layer: Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket Review

Bottom Line: A featherweight, packable layer designed specifically for trail runners. It prioritizes breathability and weight over long-term waterproofness in heavy, multiday monsoons.

Running rain jackets are tough to pin down, as they have to be uber-breathable and waterproof enough to keep cold water off you. The Patagonia Storm Racer ($315) is about as good as the options available, and it sits between tough windshells and more rugged (and heavy) rain jackets.

At a certain level of running output, you’re going to be wet from perspiration anyway, so the Storm Racer aims to be waterproof enough and thin so it does not build up extra heat while you’re trying to move moisture through it. This seems somewhat antithetical to the idea of a rain jacket, but when you’re generating significant warmth, the equation changes.

The 3-layer Patagonia H2No membrane is a proven one, and it’s the same one that’s used in the popular Torrentshell. The difference lies in the thinner 20-denier, 100% recycled nylon face fabric used by the Storm Racer, as opposed to the 50D in the more all-around Torrentshell. This not only helps out breathability (it’s easier to blow through tissue than paper), but it makes the Storm Racer compact enough for race day — packing into its own chest pocket.

Courtney Holder took this shell to New Zealand for a few months of running and adventuring, and while it didn’t conquer everything, the Storm Racer was her choice for any day with high RPMs. Where other rain jackets might have been stuffy, this jacket kept a level head while running through temperate rainforests.

The Storm Racer isn’t quite as lightweight as the Rab Phantom, but we think the added value of going with a 3-layer shell is worth the handful of ounces. The pocket also isn’t anything to write home about and doesn’t fit many modern phones all that well. That said, it’s rare to want to carry much there anyway while running.

You might also consider The North Face Superior for a running shell. Its air-permeable FUTURELIGHT membrane is more breathable than the Storm Racer, but also feels a bit more fragile and is more expensive. For a solid balance of all the running rain jacket concerns, however, the Storm Racer is the choice to make.

Bottom Line: A technical, minimalist shell built for fast-and-light alpine missions. It offers excellent mobility for climbing, though the feature set is sparse for general backpacking.

I’ve previously been highly impressed by The North Face’s rugged hardshell jackets and its air-permeable FUTURELIGHT membrane, but The North Face Papsura Jacket ($350) is a lightweight cut for fast, technical objectives. At under 8 ounces, this is the new go-to shell for the ski mountaineers and climbers out there.

Eschewing some features certainly played a role in reducing that weight, but it’s really the 7D x 15D 3-layer FUTURELIGHT membrane that’s doing the heavy lifting here. This material feels quite thin in the hand but holds up to liquid or frozen precipitation. Breathability is a big deal on the FUTURELIGHT membrane, however, and it is impressive in this jacket.

Ski touring may be one of the sweatiest endeavors to test a shell, and that’s what I did in the Papsura, traversing the backcountry surrounding Mt. Baker in Washington State. On uphill grinds in sunny weather this spring, I kept the zips up on this jacket, where it held out longer than any other I tested against it. There’s a limit for everything, and when the sun started beaming, even this jacket tapped out and needed to be shed, but it handled the sweat better than any other shell.

Papsura’s feature set is purposefully limited, and you won’t see adjustable hem or wrist closures. The hood is also minimal, but it makes up for it where it counts. Namely, being helmet-compatible and using elastic on the sides of the aperture to keep visibility up while keeping weight down.

Thankfully for the climbers, there’s a sewn-in carabiner loop inside the storage pocket for clipping to a harness. I’ve previously leaned on the Patagonia Storm10 or Black Diamond Fineline for an on-route rain jacket, but the Papsura now owns the space in my closet.

The downside of this material is that this jacket can be a bit noisy when active, which I found out while ski touring. The crinkle isn’t overt, though — it’s noticeable only if you’re listening for it. Waterproofing is also another consideration in a shell that has gone all-in on breathability, and I’d pivot to a more durable jacket if I had to spend multiple days in the Papsura under poor weather.

At 8 ounces, though, I’m willing to get away with the Papsura Jacket whenever I can. If you need a protective rain shell that balances a light weight with an uber-breathable membrane, this is the ticket.

Bottom Line: An updated version of a classic rain jacket that gets the three-layer treatment for much better wet-weather performance. Offered at an impressive price, this jacket is a direct competitor to the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L.

The Marmot PreCip Evo Pro ($175) elevates a budget standard into proper 3-layer territory. Moving away from the classic 2.5-layer build of the PreCip jacket, this Pro iteration utilizes Marmot’s proprietary NanoPro laminate. The result is a highly capable, 100% recycled polyester shell that ditches the clammy interior feel of entry-level jackets while introducing a more sustainable PFAS-free DWR finish to shed heavy precipitation.

Gear tester Nick LeFort put this jacket through the wringer during a notoriously erratic New England spring, using it for everything from soggy trail hikes to chopping firewood in a downpour. He immediately noted the massive leap in comfort over the original PreCip; when worn over just a short-sleeve T-shirt, the 3-layer backer felt smooth against his bare arms, completely eliminating the cling common in budget shells.

LeFort also specifically praised the jacket’s storm-worthy cut and fit during windy ridge hikes, highlighting how the stiffened hood brim deflected driving rain and the deep pit-zips proved essential for dumping excess heat while hauling a heavy pack uphill.

Because this shell uses modern environmental construction and a PFAS-free DWR finish, maintaining its initial water-beading performance requires regular care. To prevent the jacket’s face fabric from wetting out during sustained downpours, you’ll need to routinely wash it with a technical detergent and give it a quick tumble dry on low heat to reactivate the protective coating.

Within the highly competitive landscape of budget-friendly rainwear, the PreCip Evo Pro sits in a dead heat with the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L. Both offer incredible 3-layer performance for under $200, but LeFort found that the Marmot uses a slightly softer, more supple face fabric that crinkles significantly less while in motion.

For hikers who want a noticeable performance jump over entry-level 2.5-layer options without crossing into the $300 range of premium GORE-TEX hard shells, the PreCip Evo Pro is accessible, protective rainwear.

Bottom Line: An alpine-ready rain jacket angled at high-output activities and playing nicely with your mountaineering layer system. The Helly Hansen LIFA membrane is novel and helps keep moisture moving through the jacket.

The Helly Hansen Odin Infinity Minimalist ($400) is a lightweight and packable shell for your alpine hikers, climbers, and mountaineers. The jacket is less than 9 ounces and is stripped back on features to keep a sleek profile that won’t hang up when worn under a harness.

The jacket is made from Helly Hansen’s proprietary LIFA Infinity technology, which marries a solvent-free microporous membrane with a face fabric woven entirely from inherently hydrophobic polypropylene (LIFA) fibers. The brand claims that this allows the jacket to never wet out, and eliminates the need for specialized technical washes or tumble drying to restore surface repellency.

During off-trail alpine routes in the North Cascades, I put this permanent waterproofing to the test. Thrashing through slide alder and soaking brush on high-country approaches, water continuously beaded off the shell where conventional DWR-treated jackets would have quickly become saturated. Because the face fabric resists water absorption, the membrane’s breathability remained unimpaired during steep ascents. I also noted how well the storm hood locked down over a climbing helmet, while the high chest pocket remained fully accessible above a harness belt.

To achieve its sub-9-ounce weight class, Helly Hansen stripped away all non-essential hardware, which introduces a few compromises. The jacket completely omits underarm pit zips, forcing you to manage internal heat via the main front zipper. However, because the LIFA face fabric never saturates, you don’t suffer the suffocating effect that occurs when standard jackets wet out and trap body heat. The athletic, trim fit layers perfectly over a lightweight merino top or active grid fleece, though it leaves little room for a heavy puffy layer underneath.

Compared to the budget-friendly Outdoor Research Helium UL, the 2.75-layer OR is slightly lighter, but its interior feels clammy next to skin, and its traditional DWR will eventually saturate. Against 3-layer ultralight rivals like The North Face Papsura, the Odin trades a slightly stiffer hand feel for unmatched long-term weather resistance and superior resistance to rough granite abrasion. For alpine mountaineers and fastpackers navigating wet, remote terrain, the Odin Infinity Minimalist offers a maintenance-free shield against the elements.

Bottom Line: An updated ultralight shell for thru-hikers and stable forecasts. The new Dermizax membrane improves breathability, but this is still a shell that’s better suited to emergent use.

The Outdoor Research Helium UL ($225) has long been a staple for just-in-case rain gear, and the 2026 update keeps that reputation intact. The big change is the new Dermizax 2.75-layer membrane, which hedges its bets against the wetting out I’ve experienced in previous Helium jackets. It gives you a bump in waterproof reliability without adding any real bulk to your pack.

The “0.75” in the name refers to a raised 3D texture printed on the inside. In my testing in the rainforests of Costa Rica this spring, this was a nice comfort upgrade; it creates a tiny bit of space between the fabric and your skin, cutting down on the trash bag clamminess that usually plagues ultralight gear. If you’re a thru-hiker or fastpacker moving through a steady mist, you’ll likely notice it feels better against your arms than the older, stickier versions.

At just 5.7 ounces on my scale, weight is still one of the only reasons to buy this jacket. It still stuffs into its own chest pocket (about the size of a granola bar), making it the ultimate insurance policy for weight-conscious hikers. The 15D nylon face fabric is surprisingly tough for how thin it is, but make no mistake: this is a thin shell that requires much more care than a standard 3-layer workhorse.

It is important to be clear: this is strictly an emergency-first layer made for a specific crowd. To keep the weight this low, OR skipped the pit zips and hand pockets. You’re relying entirely on the fabric’s breathability and a single chest pocket for storage. For casual hikers or anyone heading into a multi-day monsoon, the lack of mechanical vents and basic features will likely feel too restrictive for all-day wear.

Ultimately, the new Helium UL is a solid refinement for the thru-hiking and UL community, but it’s a specialized tool. By improving the sticky feel of previous models, OR made a minimalist shell that’s much easier to tolerate when the weather turns. It’s perfect for someone who wants protection that disappears in a pack, but it’s definitely not a bombproof daily driver for those who want a full-featured rain jacket.

Bottom Line: A middle-of-the-road 3L jacket with some added mountain-ready trim.

The new-for-2026 Mountain Hardware Cloud Cipher Jacket ($310) meets the moment with an all-PFC-free build that extends from the membrane to the DWR finish. This 3L jacket is a direct competitor to jackets like the Patagonia Torrentshell or REI Co-op XeroCloud, but sports a little more ‘mountain-ready’ profile for those headed up in elevation.

Mountain Hardware hasn’t published any outward-facing ratings for waterproofing or breathability for the DrySpell membrane used. But when tested side-by-side with similar 3-layer jackets (in both field and shower tests), it’s estimated to be around the 20K/20K mark — a solid showing. The men’s medium tested was accommodating, easily fit layers underneath, and didn’t billow when run solo.

Testing in the Pacific Northwest often requires the ability to adapt to more rugged conditions than are often found on-trail elsewhere, and the Cloud Cipher is up to the challenge with a few ideal tweaks. One is the dual-direction front zipper, which allows for additional ventilation and added mobility when wearing the shell while biking or ski touring. Another is the high hand pockets, which stay out of the way of pack straps when you’re on the move.

The Cloud Cipher lands as a solid middle-of-the-road rain jacket, with only the price holding it back. $310 is a good bit more than you’ll need to spend to get into other 3-layer rain jackets like the Torrentshell, meaning you’ll really need to want those added features to make it worth the spend.

Bottom Line: A fit-and-mobility-first shell that rivals Arc’teryx for the quality of cut and weather protection. Impressively lightweight, but also spendy.

The 7mesh Guardian Air Jacket ($500) comes from the minds of former Arc’teryx execs and designers and is the brand’s first leap into multisport rainwear (diverging from its cycling origins). In typical style, it’s a fit-first shell that absolutely nails the patterning and articulation, while weighing just over 7 ounces in the tested men’s medium.

The Guardian Air is lightweight in hand and on your shoulders, and uses the now-standard-in-2026 GORE-TEX ePE membrane with a 15-denier face fabric to maintain a lightweight silhouette. This top-shelf textile delivers the full 28K waterproofing expected of a GORE layer. With good upkeep (and a few reapplications of a DWR finish each season), it remained reliably waterproof throughout the 6-month testing period.

What sets the superlight Guardian Air apart from most other UL shells is the features it manages to retain. The hood is helmet-compatible and uses a unique adjustment system that relies on friction to stay put. It also simply rolls away and snaps in place when it’s not needed (such as when riding a bike). The shell also hosts a two-way front zipper, inside drop pocket, and an innovative ‘StashSystem’ that bundles the jacket for mounting on bike bars or bags.

The shell notably doesn’t include pit zips (something that the Montbell Versalite tacks on, and still manages to weigh less). This does mean that you’ll be relying more on the two-way front zipper to shunt moisture away, along with the roomier fit that naturally allows for better airflow around the body. In testing, the Guardian Air did well enough to mostly forget the lack of pit zips, save for the worst hill grinds that overwhelm even the best breathing shells.

The Guardian Air ranks highly among other ultralight shells like The North Face Papsura and Versalite, and sets itself apart as the ‘movement and articulation’ choice for high-mobility users. The $500 price tag is the same as what you’ll spend on the Arc’teryx Beta SL, but the 7mesh shell weighs almost half as much as its cousin. Give this jacket a serious look before making your choice.

Bottom Line: Built with a stretchy fabric that moves with you during technical scrambles. It includes pit zips and a helmet-compatible hood, though the 2.5-layer membrane has a breathability ceiling.

A solid blend of packability, stretch, weight, and value, the Black Diamond Fineline Stretch ($189) provides a good option for traveling and daily getaways. This jacket is functionally the same as the previous StormLine Stretch, and available for below $200, it’s a reasonable option from a trusted brand.

Underarm gussets pair with four-way stretch to allow greater freedom of motion, while Black Diamond’s proprietary BD.dry membrane seals out the elements. The StormLine packs into its own pocket and has adjustable cuffs, and also has a climbing helmet-compatible hood. Plus, the jacket weighs just 11.3 ounces, which means you’ll hardly register that it’s hanging from your climbing harness or stashed away in your pack.

While this shell sits great parked on the back of a harness, it isn’t the jacket you want to spend all day camped out in. During an unexpected rain shower halfway up a wall in the Cascades, I found the Fineline to give up the ghost where it was pressed against my harnesses and the environment — something I replicated in my bench tests. It’ll still keep you warm — arguably the more important part when moving quickly — but there’ll be some wringing to do when you’re done.

While not the best suited for layering, the Fineline Stretch will do just fine as a jacket to hedge your bets against a middling forecast. The more climbing-oriented among us more often reach for the 3-layer protection of the Arc’teryx Beta — and recommend you do, too, if you’ve got the dough.